Post by Woody Williams on Dec 24, 2012 10:03:28 GMT -5
The story of the birth of Christ Jesus
Text for the Day -- Luke 2:1-14
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In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the
world should be registered. This was the first registration and was
taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own
towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in
Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he
was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be
registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a
child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her
child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in
bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place
for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping
watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood
before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they
were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for
see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:
to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the
Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child
wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there
was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and
saying,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
Devotional
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It seems as if God calls us to travel when we are called into God's
purpose. Abraham had to leave his homeland to go to a land God would
show him. Moses had to leave his new home in the desert to lead God
's people through the wilderness to the promised land. John the
Baptist's preaching called people out of Jerusalem to the Jordan
River. Jesus, within his mother, travels to Bethlehem to be born in
the city of David. Christmas calls us to travel to the manger to be
encouraged through faith to trust what this child brings - God's
forgiving and renewing power. "Come, let us go to Bethlehem to see
this thing," said the shepherds.
Prayer
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Give me courage to go out when you call me, O Lord, and offer myself
to others. Amen